Diseases of the joints
Pain in the midfoot can also be caused by pain radiating from other areas of the foot. Relatively common here is arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal joints, which can cause pain there due to the proximity of the metatarsus. The arthrosis usually develops as a result of wear and tear during the aging process and leads to changes in the joint surfaces. The cartilage is worn away, so that the joint partners no longer fit together perfectly. The resulting increased friction in the joint then causes pain.
Inflammations
All structures that make up the foot can become inflamed, for example through overloading or incorrect loading, as well as external injuries with bacterial colonization. Thus, the tendons and ligaments, but also the metatarsal bones can become inflamed directly. Inflammation of the periosteum (periostitis) can be very unpleasant and lead to pain when it occurs, as well as pressure pain in the metatarsus.
Foot malpositions
Foot malpositions of all kinds (hollow foot, flat foot, bent foot, fallen arches, splayfoot) can cause pain in the midfoot. This is due to the fact that the altered anatomical position of the foot bones and surrounding structures create different pressure conditions in the foot, which are not optimal for the load on the foot. This leads to secondary irritation of nerves running there or to entrapment of tendons, nerves or ligaments, which then causes pain.
Often an orthopedic insole for the shoes can already help to improve the symptoms.The insoles are individually adapted to the conditions of the foot and have a special profile that corrects the anatomical position of the foot structures. As a result, the pressure is better distributed and pain is reduced.
